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Environmental Volunteer Work

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December 21, 2016 12:33Updated: December 21, 2016 12:34

Environmental Volunteer Work

Photo: Páll Stefánsson.

Q: I’m trying to find volunteer opportunities for a group of high school students that will be working on a community service project in Iceland in April 2017. I'd like to contact local organizations/businesses that focus on the environment or sustainability, but I don't know how to go about it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Paige, United States

A: There are several environmental associations, which may have a volunteer opportunity for you:

The Blue Army is an organization which conducts cleaning projects, both on the shores of Reykjanes peninsula, Southwest Iceland, and in harbors. You should visit their website at blaiherinn.is and send an email with inquiries to [email protected].

Landvernd is the Iceland Environment Association. Occasionally, they offer volunteer opportunities, so please visit their website at landvernd.is and send inquiries to [email protected].

The Environment Agency of Iceland has a website, icv.is (Iceland Conservation Volunteers), which you should check out. Each summer, about 100-150 international volunteers take part in the Environment Agency conservation program. You can send them an email at [email protected].

Another program, organized by the Iceland Forest Service, is Thórsmörk Trail Volunteers. They offer two- or six-week placements in Þórsmörk, the south highlands, where groups work on trail work or erosion control. This program appears to be limited to summer, though, and participants must be 20 years of age or older. You can visit their website for more information at trailteam.is.